Katharine Elaine Leary
April 13, 1956 ~ December 21, 2024
Born in:
Oakland, California
Resided in:
Union City, California
Katharine Elaine (Kitty) Leary passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, December 21, 2024, after a brief illness. She was the eldest daughter of Arvid and Helen Leary.
Katharine was born on Friday, April 13, 1956, in Oakland, CA. Her family moved from Oakland to Union City in 1968, and she resided in Union City at the time of her death. She was a 1974 graduate of James Logan High School, attended Chabot College, and had retired from working a few years ago.
She was the coolest, most stylish elder sister of Kristin, Kim and Karrol Leary. She was the beloved godmother to Kaylynn Ulrich and Sophia Simoni. Katharine loved Paris, jewelry, handbags and enjoyed decorating and accessorizing. She would have loved to have been a hippie, but alas, was born a bit too late. She also loved live music, theater and musical theater. She was a life-long Barbra Streisand and Beatles fan, also loved Bette Midler, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, was known to enjoy a little Bailey’s and Kahlua now and then, was quick-witted, the queen of making up nicknames, loved cats and peace signs, and was a trivia game ace. She had many aunts and uncles and had dozens of cousins, who were her first friends. She loved them all and they loved her in return. She was also the special ‘big sister’ to many of her younger cousins and a special ‘auntie’ to many of her cousin’s children too.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Katharine’s name to the charity of your choice. Some of her favorite charities include St. Jude’s, Alameda County Food Bank, Cat Town of Oakland, American Cancer Society and the Alzheimer’s Association.
A celebration of Katharine’s life will be forthcoming. In the meantime, add a shot of Bailey’s and Kahlua to your coffee, and raise a toast to Kitty.
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You and I work at AMR together. I remember you as a confident strong women who everyone loved, including me.
Facebook kept you and I connected.
I share your love of cats! Your baby girl look almost identical to my baby boy. Both have passed knowing that they were so loved by us and us by them.
Paris. Your dream of Paris. I always thought about you when I came across anything Paris!!!
You had an impeccable style. I admired your love of Barbra and the Beatles.
You were one of a kind!!!
Rest easy my beautiful friend. Rest easy ❤️
Love to you and your family. Karen
We had so many plans and things to do but we will carry on in your honor. Give my love to Mom, Dad, and Mags Malone.
I love you!
Oh Kitty Kat…. my grief is deep and I miss you so much. Your presence and influence loomed so large in my life as my big sister, in ways I’m just now realizing. I’ll miss you forever. Give mom & dad a kiss and a hug.
Peace and Love,
Karrol (aka lil fee fee)
Kitty, you were my lunch buddy we went every month till I moved away. I’ll always miss that and the great conversations we had. You will definitely be missed and I love you 💜
Oh Kitty… we will love and miss you forever. I think little Ellie understands that you are gone, as hard as it is for us grown ups to deal with, because when we explained what happened she said a heartfelt “Oh NO!” and was genuinely sad and out of sorts the whole day. Bob and I will make a donation in your name to the Alameda Food Bank. Ellie will understand that…it might help. We all know that nothing will replace you, but memories of you will comfort us.
Kitty,
You and my dad were the best of friends. I can’t believe you’re gone. You and my dad can be angels together. Give him a big hug and kiss for me. ❤️❤️ Love Jessica & Sidney
I’m heartbroken you’re gone. I have fond memories of you. I enjoyed the conversations and the silliness in you. I remember one conversation when you asked me to teach you specific words in Spanish and that’s all I’ll say, but it was very funny. May you rest in peace Beautiful! Love, Cyndy
Kitty Kat Leary, you were taken too soon. Oh, how I wish you were able to make it to Paris, to fulfill one of your dreams. Kris, Karrol and I will miss you terribly. You were smart, funny, sassy and a great big sis! Until we meet again! Say “Hi” to mom and dad and so many other family members who will welcome you with open arms. Love you!